As someone who considers herself a "geek," as well as someone who tries to be accepting of all sub-cultures, I have to say this article really pissed me off. A lot. I don't know what I was expecting when the subheading read "Someone should go to ComicCon and give everyone in attendance a wedgie," but I couldn't help to read his article. Though I hadn't thought it possible, Smith manages to combine 80's-style-jock douchebaggery with modern Hipster sensibilities - which is both impressive and appalling at the same time. He seems to think that "geek culture" consists entirely of bespectacled, socially awkward teenage boys who sit in their mother's basements and read (apparently 1950's style) batman comics all day. His argument, in a nutshell, is that "Geek Culture" was fun to him when he was younger but has since somehow transformed itself into some sort of pop-culture monster. I couldn't help but respond. I really intended to just say a few choice words, but when I was done I had written pretty much two pages worth of text. Oops.
Here is my comment:
"While your argument may be well worded, this is basically an article simply stating the well known 'Hipster motto': "I liked it before it was cool." This entire article can be summed in the simple words "Geek is now so MAINSTREAM." Please do not take this for trolling - I respect your right to your opinion, however fallacious it may be. You say that all "geeky" things are dogmatic. However, you cite examples such as Batman, The Hulk, ect. - as if those are the only "geeky" things in existence. Now very well-known shows and literature such as Star Trek: TNG and Game of Thrones deal with subject matter that is often subtle and complex. JRR Tolkien's works may often appear to be nothing more than the classic "Good vs. Evil," but that is not to say there are not complexities within his literature that you may not have even noticed. You appear to simply take things that may be considered "geeky" at face value and immediately write them off at stupid or childish without even taking the time for a closer look. You say the "geeky" things you were interested in as a child now appear silly and simplistic. Of course they do. You were into them as a child. To say that fantasy and science fiction are aimed and suitable only for children shows an obvious and deep misunderstanding of the genres as a whole. As a female, yes, sometimes I do find rampant sexism in fantasy, sci-fi and comic books. I also find it in romance movies, reality shows, and advertisements. And you know what? They aren't that much more fetishistic as far as I'm concerned (just look at any of the recent vodka ads on buses). Yes, I take issue with it, but it is not a reason to dismiss the geek culture as a whole. The "Geek Girl" movement is a new but strong movement and I expect to see many more strong female leads in the future (though if you've ever watched Dr. Who, they are clearly already here).
The fact is, your article shows a clear misunderstanding of geek culture. And quite frankly, I don't think you want to understand it. You see that something that was previously "underground" has become "mainstream" and thus you have deemed it passé. The important thing is nothing you have written in this article will make geek culture "go away." I was a fan of fantasy, science fiction and comic book heroes long before "geek chic" and I will be long after it has passed from the mainstream. No one plays Dungeons and Dragons or watches Star Trek because it's "in." They watch it because they enjoy it, and nothing you can say will change that."
The fact is, disliking something on the mere fact that it has become too popular is childish. It's a practice angsty teenagers do when they want to differentiate themselves from society (healthy for a teenager - not for a man with a beard). However, I'm not simply trying to make him feel bad. I truly wish he would read my comment and actually THINK about his opinion instead of simply spewing out what I believe is a hate-fueled article (honestly, telling people to go beat up geeks?). Unfortunately, I know that is probably a vain hope, and he'll just keep on being an ignorant hipster.
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